1. The changes during puberty are caused by hormones released by the pituitary gland which is located in your brain near the top of your spinal cord. • Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by cell or gland to do a specific job. You need different hormones for all parts of your daily life. • However, at the start of puberty, the pituitary gland acts like a light switch and starts to turn on all your reproductive organs that have been waiting since birth. As a result many things happen to your body and mind. • For Girls: (starts around 9 – 16) • Pituitary gland begins releasing more hormones known as estrogen and progesterone. • Maturing reproductive organs, ovaries and uterus • Developing breasts. • Beginning of menstruation. • Hair growth: Pubic area, underarms, legs, etc. • Sweat glands become more active – causing more odor • Hips widen • Height & Weight increase • Pimples or acne • Voice deepens • For Boys (starts around 11 – 21) • Pituitary gland begins releasing a hormone testosterone. • Maturing reproductive organs, penis and testicles enlarge • Production of sperm and wet dreams. • Hair growth: Pubic area, underarms, legs, etc. • Sweat glands become more active – causing more odor • Shoulders broaden • Height & Weight increase • Pimples or acne • Voice deepens • The changes during puberty are caused by hormones released by the pituitary gland which is located in your brain near the top of your spinal cord. • Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by cell or gland to do a specific job. You need different hormones for all parts of your daily life. • However, at the start of puberty, the pituitary gland acts like a light switch and starts to turn on all your reproductive organs that have been waiting since birth. As a result many things happen to your body and mind. • For Girls: (starts around 9 – 16) • Pituitary gland begins releasing more hormones known as estrogen and progesterone. • Maturing reproductive organs, ovaries and uterus • Developing breasts. • Beginning of menstruation. • Hair growth: Pubic area, underarms, legs, etc. • Sweat glands become more active – causing more odor • Hips widen • Height & Weight increase • Pimples or acne • Voice deepens • For Boys (starts around 11 – 21) • Pituitary gland begins releasing a hormone testosterone. • Maturing reproductive organs, penis and testicles enlarge • Production of sperm and wet dreams. • Hair growth: Pubic area, underarms, legs, etc. • Sweat glands become more active – causing more odor • Shoulders broaden • Height & Weight increase • Pimples or acne • Voice deepens